Bernard Allen
Question:136 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the number of persons convicted in Cork city for drug-related crimes in each of the years 1988 to 1991.
Written Answers. - Cork City Drug Related Crime.
Bernard Allen
Question:137 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline his views on recent statements made by a person (details supplied) in Cork concerning the increased sale of drugs in Cork, specifically the sale of drugs to school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard Allen
Question:138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline (1) his views on recent statements made by a person (details supplied) in Cork that there is a new trend of selling drugs to school children in the Cork area; and (2) the steps, if any, he proposes to take to eliminate this trend.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137 and 138 together.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to convictions for drug related crimes in Cork city in each of the years 1988 to 1990 is as follows: 1988, 85; 1989, 138; 1990, 182. Figures for 1991 are not yet available.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware that drug dealing activities, mostly cannabis, are taking place in the Cork area, that unfortunately young people including school going teenagers are being involved in drug abuse and that they are giving this problem every attention. However, I am also informed that the evidence available does not support the suggestion that drugs are being sold to younger school children. I am very concerned at this suggestion and I would ask the Deputy, or anyone who might have evidence in this matter, to bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda authorities so that it can be fully investigated.
I would like to assure the House that the drugs problem is continuing to receive priority attention from a law enforcement point of view. The Garda authorities have informed me that they monitor very carefully the situation in Cork and elsewhere and that they constantly review and adapt their strategies to deal with the drug problem. These strategies include close liaisons with customs authorities and continuous international co-operation with police forces abroad so as to curb the supply of illicit drugs to this country.
The Garda in Cork have received and will continue to receive a very high level of training in drug law enforcement and they place a strong emphasis on countering illegal drug activity. They are assisted in this by the Cork, Limerick and Dublin drug units and other specialists units as required. Specific measures employed to deal with the problem in Cork include the use of Garda patrols and specialist units, intelligence gathering and analysis, surveillance, as well as targeting and monitoring the activities of suspects. The Garda authorities have informed me that these measures are very often directed at activities and locations where young people may be exposed to illegal drug dealing. These measures have resulted in some important detections for drug-related offences.
While the Garda in Cork continue to give this problem priority attention I must emphasise that the problem of drug abuse cannot be solved by law enforcement on its own. Drug abuse causes major problems in society and the role of parents, teachers and other agencies caring for young people is as important as the Garda response. In regard to warning young people at school of the dangers of substance abuse, I should stress that this issue is being dealt with by the Garda schools' programme which is being extended to Cork later this year.
The need for a national drug strategy to tackle the drug problem on every front has been recognised by the Government. My colleague, the Minister for Health, last year launched the Government strategy to prevent drug misuse. This strategy sets realistic and achievable objectives for reduction both in the supply of and the demand for drugs.
The Deputy can be assured that the Garda and the Government are determined that the problem of drug abuse in Cork and in this country generally will be tackled through resolute and persistent action.